Be bold and say it with flowers

THANK you fashion designers. You finally gave florals a long overdue makeover, turning them from something only grandma would wear to effortlessly chic and sassy.

It took them a while to get there, but now the big trend of summer is officially the mixed bouquet. And it's everywhere. From big and bold "look-at-me" prints at Gucci, spriggy prints at Luella and Stella McCartney, vivid florals at Balenciaga and Moschino, to single blooms at Missoni and Aquascutum, it's a look which dominated the catwalk and has been interpreted to great effect on the high street.

"This isn't about girlie florals," stresses Edinburgh stylist Amanda Price. "The prints are striking, strong and edgy. The look is bold, it makes a statement.

"It's certainly not for wallflowers.

"If you have a slim frame, big blooms are fantastic for instantly injecting sexy curves. Some of the best florals I've seen are big, bold prints, so make the most of your silhouette and have fun. Aim for statement maxi dresses or stand-out blooms which cover the whole garment.

"Women with larger frames or petite girls should try to stick to more subtle prints, such as spriggy florals or single blooms. Big blooms are often overpowering and will accentuate your curves.

"However, if you've fallen in love with the bold print, break it up with a waistcoat or wear it as an accent. A great alternative is floral embellishment or a floral scarf worn with a crisp white boho smock. It's a simple look which makes a statement."

River Island is brimming with all that is flowery, and sun dresses are a key look in the store. From bold prints to the subtle, from the maxi to the mini, from the smart to the casual, it's all currently available under one roof. Also try New Look for similar styles.

Then there's Warehouse and its range of sophisticated florals which tick every bouquet box. There are prom dresses, casual tea dresses, and a sassy range of smock tops, blouses and shirts. Also try Zara, Matalan, Mango, Primark, M&S and Next for similar looks.

Flimsy, flirty and floral, it's fashion just as it should be.